I hope everyone has recovered from the Christmas/New Year madness and that you were able to spend lots of time with family and friends.

I took a little road trip and joined my son for Christmas in Brisbane. The trip up was great with stops in Newcastle with my other son and his family, then Kingscliff and a night with "old" friends and then the Gold Coast with another couple of "old" friends. I arrived in Brisbane the Saturday before Christmas and it was full on from that time on. One social engagement after another. I called in to see another friend who I hadn't seen for nearly 30 years. The afternoon was spent chatting as though it had only been yesterday. Old friends are the best!!!

So, the other quilting jobs that I wasn't able to share earlier. My son's partner had asked for a picnic quilt and although I had picked up some fabrics at the Quilt Show, a jewel coloured bali pop was the preferred choice. So I got the Picnic Roll Up pattern from Thimbleberries and set to work.

I was very pleased with how it turned out. The corners have pockets to put a rock in so the quilt doesn't blow away - how clever. The quilting pattern is Too Much Bubbly and I thought it was quite appropriate for the new owners. Needless to say they were thrilled with it, although comments were made about it being too lovely and that perhaps it should go on their bed!!! While I agree, it was made for the purpose intended, so I hope they will enjoy it.

I was also able to do a very quick job (because it was small) on Lynda's Have a Quilty Little Christmas wall hanging. She was delighted to be able to have it hung ready for Christmas day. The quilting pattern was Holly and Berries - very appropriate.

My trip home from Brisbane was not so memorable. I was up early and left at around 4.30 am and it rained all the way to Newcastle. Because my children were spending the holidays at my place, I had no stop off point along the way, so finally pulled up at home at 10 pm that night. Lots of stops along the way, but I think it took me about three days to get over the drive. Maybe next time I will fly!!!

Have started some new year sewing, so will post that next time. All the best and happy quilting.